The Boro Dude - A Long Time Coming

The Children's Lake in Boiling Springs, PA

"The Boro Dude" started as a vision, years ago, while I was still living in my hometown of Freeport, Pennsylvania, a quintessential American "small town". Growing up in a walkable downtown with a population of approximately 2,000 people, you knew everybody, and everybody likely knew you. There were a handful of businesses in town, some of which had thrived for decades, and others that seemed to hardly make ends meet. I saw firsthand the struggles of small business owners to achieve success, despite the regulars which frequented the establishments. I always thought to myself, "How can I help?" I frequently considered ways to support the town, its economy and its residents. Though I no longer reside in Freeport, I will always consider my hometown to be the inspiration for establishing this blog.

Fast forward to my current place of residence in Enola, PA, I have only gained further appreciation for the charm of small towns and businesses as the South Central PA area is replete with such communities (Boiling Springs is one of my favorites). I have spent many years visiting small towns throughout the Commonwealth, the USA and abroad, and I think about how many people likely have never heard of these places. That notion is something that I desire to change with this blog by being an advocate for small towns and businesses everywhere. If I can help drive one tourist to a local diner for a meal instead of a fast food chain off of a interstate, or if I can encourage one family to purchase a holiday gift from a small business, or make one resident just a little more proud of where they are from, then I have already accomplished the goal of this blog.

I extend to you an invitation to follow me on this journey as I discover historic towns and small businesses that are hiding in plain sight. All content and work featured in this blog are from my own experiences. I hope to inspire you and the followers of this blog to not only visit the places which are featured, but to participate in my goal of advocating for these communities to help them grow and prosper.

-The Boro Dude